Wise beyond his years, the innocent-seeming Matt Kirshen has an extraordinary breadth of experience in UK comedy, even before “Last Comic Standing” introduced him to an American audience. As well as some very vigorous technical analysis, the perky polymath gives us a uniquely transatlantic perspective on how it all works, and goes hog-wild for tagging jokes…

Red in tooth and claw, Katherine Ryan is adept at shredding celebrities and has a few choice words too for her sister’s whore friends. She reveals a gentleness behind the exterior that critics love to call “waspish”, and talks us through the moral principles that guide her sting…

In the second part of this conversation, we look in detail at John’s principles for directing standup. Not so much a list of rules as a whole approach to helping a comic achieve their own goals, and not those of the director…

A recipe for a happy life as a comic? Kerry Godliman is a superb observationalist, and a tremendous comic actor.
She shares her philosophy on writing, gigging and how to achieve a positive work-life balance, as well as delving into why she’s never been afraid to scratch a living. We also discuss positive discrimination, covens of rage, and why wahwah is way better than flimflam…

Effortlessly charming observationalist Jason Manford is arguably comedy’s Mr Accessibility.
With a touring schedule designed to cover the entire country, we investigate the motives and consequences of his workaholic approach to the craft.
As well as touching on the downsides of his fame, this candid interview explores Jason’s struggle to challenge himself whilst giving his audience what they want.

How close is Rhod Gilbert’s furious persona to his real self? In this revealing interview, the workaholic wizard discusses truth and fiction, lonely walks on Welsh cliff paths, and going a bit mental on callbacks.
We also explore the therapeutic value of making comedy; but is Rhod really ready to sign himself out of the asylum?

One of the nicest men in comedy, with an effervescent wit and fantastic jokes, Rob Rouse is also better placed than most to observe the ups and downs of a career in TV.
He talks here candidly about the effect his changing fortunes have had on his outlook, and how his family life has helped him grow as a comic as well as a man.

Stephen Grant is one of the hardest-working comedians in Britain, with an unshakeable belief in the meritocracy of comedy.
We go into depth on how we writes for himself and with other higher-profile comics including Seann Walsh and Russell Kane. He also shares with us some very perceptive analysis of the comedy circuit and proves mathematically that one can never run out of funny.